ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Shri Piyush Goyal addressed the 6th International Conference on Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Sector;
Calls upon Indian pharmaceutical and health care sector to adopt best quality practices and commitment to maintain high standards;
India’s proposal at the WTO for TRIPS waiver to allow more countries to get equitable access to medicines for Covid-19 is getting widespread support
Minister of Railways, Commerce & Industry, and Consumer Affairs and Food & Public Distribution Shri Piyush Goyal today called upon the Indian pharmaceutical and health care sector to adopt best practices in terms of quality, facility and commitment to maintain high standards. Addressing the 6th International Conference on Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Sector, he said that we all should collectively ensure that the nation will have good manufacturing practices. The entire health ecosystem should provide confidence to the world that India is the place you should look at for anything to do with health and is the one stop solution.
Shri Goyal said that Quality does not come at a price, rather quality reduces our price. He said that Regulatory & good manufacturing practices, systems and certifications, approvals, will always help us grow in scale and bring down the price. The Minister said that India has seen a golden period for healthcare in the last few years. He remarked that we should make the next decade, the decade of India when the entire world should be following Indian standards.
The Minister said that the world today needs CURE. CURE will come out of Cost-effective Universal solution through Research and Enterprise. He said “If we take it upon ourselves that India is going to CURE the world, I see no limitations in our ability to aspire to become a world dominant leader in the field of med-tech, medical devices, healthcare provider. CURE will come out of Cost-effective universal solution through research and enterprise.”
Shri Goyal said that India along with South Africa is at forefront, in a proposal introduced in October 2020, before the WTO in the TRIPS council, for a waiver during COVID-19 to allow more countries to get equitable access to medicines. He said that we now have 57 WTO members supporting us. Calling upon the pharmaceutical industry to show a big heart across the world & support the TRIPS waiver that India has proposed at WTO, he said that this will help the entire world come out of the pandemic much faster. The Minister said that the proposal has put the developed world under pressure, who are trying to protect the interests of some pharmaceutical companies.
The Minister said that India is well on the path to come out of the COVID pandemic and the Pharma industry is well on the path to grow out of the COVID pandemic. He said that the Pharmaceutical industry provided 3 V's: - Ventilators - Vaccines - V-shaped recovery, and these three V's are reflective of the strength of the industry. “As PM Narendra Modi says, let us convert this COVID pandemic into an opportunity, and nobody is better poised to do that than the Pharma industry.”, he added.
YB/SS
(Visitor Counter : 579
Ministry of Power
NTPC Bongaigaon observes ‘National Energy Conservation Day’
NTPC Bongaigaon observes National Energy Conservation Day with various activities
NTPC Bongaigaon joined the rest of the country in observing the National Energy Conservation Day at the plant premises.
Energy conservation is an important factor in lessening climate change. It helps the replacement of non-renewable resources with renewable energy. Energy conservation is frequently the most cost-effective solution to energy shortages, as well as a more ecologically friendly option than increasing energy output. Various activities like painting, essay competition, slogan are being organized for employees, family members and children of the township.
In India, National Energy Conservation Day is observed every year on 14th December to raise awareness about the significance of energy and the need of conserving energy by using less energy.
Shri Karunakar Das, CGM, NTPC Bongaigaon took the pledge of conservation on the occasion in the presence of Shri Umesh Singh, GM , Shri S.K. Jha, GM , Shri Induri S Reddy, GM , Shri Arunahsis Das, GM , in the presence of Shri Susovan Das, AGM  and senior officials of EEMG Deptt and employees of the station. Shri Das highlighted the use of energy judiciously in everyday life, ensuring zero wastage and spreading awareness about the importance of energy conservation for a healthy environment and sustainable future.
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets wildlife lovers on International Tiger Day
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted wildlife lovers, especially those who are passionate about tiger conservation on International Tiger Day.
In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said;
"On #InternationalTigerDay, greetings to wildlife lovers, especially those who are passionate about tiger conservation. Home to over 70% of the tiger population globally, we reiterate our commitment to ensuring safe habitats for our tigers and nurturing tiger-friendly eco-systems.
India is home to 51 tiger reserves spread across 18 states. The last tiger census of 2018 showed a rise in the tiger population. India achieved the target of doubling of tiger population 4 years ahead of schedule of the St. Petersburg Declaration on tiger Conservation.
India’s strategy of tiger conservation attaches topmost importance to involving local communities. We are also inspired by our centuries old ethos of living in harmony with all flora and fauna with whom we share our great planet."
Special Service and Features
13th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme at Thiruvananthapuram
Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, Kerala Zone will organize the13th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme from 22nd to 28th March 2022 under the aegis of Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India. About 220 tribal youngsters selected by the Central Armed Police Forces from five districts of Jharkhand & Chhattisgarh will participate in the programme. The programme will be inaugurated by Shri. G.R Anil, State Minister for Food & Civil Supplies at 12 PM on 23rd March at BSNL Regional Telecom Training Centre auditorium, Kaimanam.
The programme aims to provide an opportunity to tribal youth residing in the remote corners of the country for an exposure visit to other parts of the nation & to understand the cultural ethos, language, life styles of the people, developmental activities and unity in diversity.
A variety of programmes including sessions on various topics, thematic discussion, interactive meeting with constitutional authorities, cultural exchange programme, declamation contest on patriotism & nation building, cleaning & tree plantation are planned as part of the seven days programme. The participants will visit Techno park, Kinfra park, magic planet, kovalam beach etc and interact with local youth volunteers & members of youth clubs.
Shri. Antony Raju, State Minister for Transport, Kerala will address the participants on 26th at 4.30 pm
Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs Shri. V. Muraleedharan, will be the chief guest in the closing ceremony to be held on 27th March at 9.30 am. He will distribute the certificates to the participants. The state level outstanding youth club award of NYKS, certificates to the winners of state level declamation contest and national youth parliament festival competitions will also be given away at the function.
--NS--
(Visitor Counter : 10
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage achieves 73Cr landmark milestone
Recovery Rate currently at 97.49%
33,376 New Cases reported in the last 24 hours
India's Active Caseload is 1.18% of Total Cases
Weekly Positivity Rate  less than 3% for last 78 days
With the administration of 65,27,175 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, country’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage surpassed the cumulative figure of 73Cr landmark milestone  as per provisional reports till 7 am today. This has been achieved through 74,70,363sessions.
The break-up of the cumulative figureas per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,03,63,329
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
85,70,340
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,83,35,452
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,39,10,387
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
29,34,35,121
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
4,11,03,253
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
14,20,96,089
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
6,16,92,121
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
9,23,11,436
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
4,87,72,160
|
|
Total
|
|
73,05,89,688
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country.
The recovery of 32,198patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients  to 3,23,74,497.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 97.49%.
Sustained and collaborative efforts by the Centre and the States/UTs continue the trend of less than 50,000 Daily New Cases that is being reported for 76 consecutive days now.
33,376new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
The Active Caseload is presently3,91,516. Active cases presently constitute 1.18% of the country's total Positive Cases.
The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of 15,92,135tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 54.01 Cr  cumulative tests.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, Weekly Positivity Rate at 2.26% remains less than 3% for the last 78 days now. The Daily Positivity rate reported to be2.10%. The daily Positivity rate has remained below3% for last 12 days and below 5% for 96 consecutive days now.
Prime Minister's Office
PM to confer Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes for Science and Technology tomorrow
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will attend the award ceremony for the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, on 28 February 2019.
The Prime Minister will confer the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes for 2016, 2017 and 2018 to the awardees. He will also address the gathering.
The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize is named after the founder Director of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Dr. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar. The Prize is given each year to recognize outstanding Indian work in various disciplines of Science and Technology.
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
House Building Advance Interest Rate Reduced from 8.5% to 7.9% for a Period of One Year
The rate of interest on House Building Advance [HBA] has been reduced from existing 8.5% to 7.9% for a period of one year, irrespective of the loan amount of HBA. This will be with effect from 01st October 2019.
HBA is admissible to permanent employees and all those temporary employees also who have rendered 05 years of continuous service.
The Ministries/Departments are delegated powers to sanction House Building Advance to their employees in accordance with the HBA rules.
The scheme of HBA to Central Government Employees is aimed as a welfare measure providing assistance to the Government employees to construct/acquire house/flats of their own.
RJ/PS
Ministry of Education
Scholarship scheme under AICTE to encourage girls students to pursue Technical Education
To encourage girl students to pursue Technical Education, the All India Council for Technical Education  has been implementing scholarship scheme namely AICTE Pragati Scholarship Scheme since 2014-15. Under the scheme, a sum of Rs. 50,000/- per annum is disbursed to selected girl students as per the following criteria.
- Students admitted in AICTE approved institutions in 1st year of Degree/ Diploma level course or 2nd year of Degree/ Diploma level course through lateral entry.
- Maximum two girls per family.
- Total income of the family less than Rs. 8 lakh per annum.
- 10,000 scholarships per annum from 23 States/UTs .
- All eligible girl students from remaining 13 States/UTs 
- Reservation-7.5% for ST, 15% for SC, and 27% for OBC candidates/applicants.
The information was given by the Minister of State for Education, Dr.SubhasSarkar in a written reply in the RajyaSabha today.
Ministry of Rural Development
228 National Awards will be given for outstanding works in RD schemes tomorrow
Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar to present the awards
Ministry of Rural Development implements various flagship programmes – Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Schemes  to provide wage employment and asset creation, Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin  for rural housing, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana  for rural roads, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission  for rural livelihoods, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grameen Kaushalya Yojana  for skill development of rural youth, National Rurban Mission  etc. – all aimed at poverty alleviation.
To recognize the outstanding works carried out by the States, Districts, Blocks, organizations and Individuals in implementation of various Programmes of the Ministry of Rural Development in 2017-18 and to instill healthy competition among them for better implementation and performance in future, the Ministry of Rural Development is organizing a National Awards Function on 11thSeptember, 2018 to be given by Union Minister for Rural Development, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar.
During the year 2017-18 the number of rural houses constructed is 44.54 lakh, out of which the highest number of PMAY-G houses were constructed in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The state of Madhya Pradesh not only constructed the maximum length of PMGSY roads but also the maximum road length using green technology during the year 2017-18. West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh are the best performers under the category convergence and livelihood augmentation in MGNREGS during the year 2017-18 while Mizoram State has maximum percentage of work completion against the targeted works.
To promote social harmony, spread awareness about pro-poor initiatives of government, and reach out to poor households to enrol them in 7 flagship progammes – Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana , Saubhagya Yojana , Ujala Yojana , opening of bank accounts , Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana – PMSBY , Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana – PMJJBY , and Mission Indra-Dhanush – MI  – Gram Swaraj Abhiyan  from 14th April, 2018 to 5th May, 2018  and Extended Gram Swaraj Abhiyan  from 1st June, 2018 to 15th August, 2018  were organized. Ministry of Rural Development was the Nodal Ministry for both GSA and EGSA and to recognize the efforts of officials of the Ministry of Rural Development and Ministry of Panchayati Raj in the management and implementation of both GSA and EGSA awards would also be presented to them.
In the National Awards function of the Ministry of Rural Development on 11th September, 2018 a total of 228 awards would be presented under different categories to the States, Districts, Blocks, Organizations andIndividuals.
<><><><><>
APS/SNC/AS
(Visitor Counter : 770
Prime Minister's Office
PM condemns the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has strongly condemned the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka.
“Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured”, the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurates the LNG truck-loading unit of Shell India at Hazira;
Describes this as another big step towards a cleaner and greener future for India
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas today inaugurated the LNG truck-loading unit of Shell India at Hazira, Gujarat. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the unit will boost availability of natural gas in off-grid areas where there are no gas pipelines and also promote the use of LNG in long-haul trucking.
Complimenting the team of ShellIndiaon this significant initiative taken today, Shri Pradhan said that increasing competition in the LNG sector will help in the emergence of new markets, create new employment opportunities, ensure cleaner fuels for industries and facilitate environment conservation. He said that this is another big step towards a cleaner and greener future for India. “We are committed to increase the clean energy quantum in our energy mix to transform into a gas-based economy, address issues of climate change and build an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.” The Minister congratulated ShellIndiaon this endeavour of supporting India’s environmental as well as clean energy transition goals by giving thrust to creation of necessary infrastructure to promote LNG as a transport fuel.
YB
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates Indian shooters for their performance at ISSF Junior World Cup
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Indian shooters for their performance at ISSF Junior World Cup 2023. Where, with a tally of 15 medals, India emerged on the top of the medals table.
The Prime Minister tweeted :
"Our shooters continue to make us proud! Incredible performance by India at ISSF Junior World Cup 2023 with a tally of 15 medals and emerging on top of the medals table. Each victory is a testament to our young athletes' passion, dedication, and spirit. Best wishes to them."
Ministry of Steel
NMDC felicitates its Brand Ambassador and World Champion Nikhat Zareen
NMDC celebrated the recent victory of its Brand Ambassador Nikhat Zareen at the 2023 IBA World Boxing Championship at a felicitation ceremony organised by NMDC at Hyderabad on Wednesday. The function was chaired by Shri Amitava Mukherjee, CMD , NMDC and attended by Shri Dilip Kumar Mohanty, Director , NMDC and other dignitaries.
At the age of 26, Nikhat is the second Indian boxer to have won back-to-back Golds at the World Boxing Championships. Lauding its Brand Ambassador, NMDC said, the company is proud to be represented by someone who epitomizes strength and shares her commitment to bring honour to the country. Nikhat Zareen represents the hopes and aspirations of New India and NMDC is supporting her journey to the Asian Games in Hangzhou and the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Commenting on the occasion, Shri Amitava Mukherjee, CMD  said that it‘s a matter of pride for NMDC when it’s brand ambassador Nikhat Zareen asserted her supremacy at the World Boxing Championship and won the Gold for India. “On behalf of NMDC, I wish her the best for her upcoming matches and training for the Olympics” added Shri Mukherjee.
Expressing her gratitude to NMDC, Ms Nikhat Zareen said that unwavering support from NMDC is highly appreciable, who not only believed in her potential but also invested in her dreams. Their encouragement has been the driving force behind my success and I will forever cherish their contribution towards my journey Nikhat added.
In line with the vision of Khelo India and the Fit India Movement, NMDC hosts marathons, gamified walkathons, sports tournaments, and yoga. Nikhat Zareen was also the Brand Ambassador of the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon 2022. In the last year, NMDC contributed Rs. 6 crores towards Sports promotion in India and invested in the upcoming sports talent of the country.
Prime Minister's Office
PM’s statement prior to his departure to Nepal
Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s departure statement prior to his visit to Nepal.
“I will be visiting Nepal on 11-12 May 2018 at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Nepal Rt. Hon’ble KP Sharma Oli.
This will be my third visit to Nepal as Prime Minister. It reflects the high priority India, and personally I attach to our age-old, close and friendly ties with Nepal.
My visit closely follows the State Visit of Prime Minister Oli to India last month. These high-level and regular interactions reflect my government's commitment to the 'Neighbourhood First' policy, in consonance with the motto of ‘SabkaSaath, SabkaVikas’.
Together, our two countries have completed several bilateral connectivity and development projects in the last few years, and have initiated transformational initiatives for the benefit of our two peoples.
Prime Minister Oli and I will have the opportunity to take forward our recent wide-ranging discussions in New Delhi on issues of mutual interest, and to advance our cooperative partnership across diverse sectors.
In addition to Kathmandu, I am also looking forward to visiting Janakpur and Muktinath. Both these places attract a large number of pilgrims every year. They are living testimony to the ancient and strong cultural and religious ties between the peoples of India and Nepal.
As Nepal enters a new era of consolidating gains of democracy and achieving rapid economic growth and development, India will continue to remain a steadfast partner of Government of Nepal to implement its vision of ‘Samriddha Nepal, Sukhi Nepali'.
I am looking forward to meeting the political leaders and friends in Nepal. I am confident that my visit will further cement our people-centric partnership with Nepal on the basis of mutual benefit, goodwill and understanding.’’
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister congratulates Indian Men’s Hockey team on winning Men's Hockey5s Asia Cup
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Indian Men’s Hockey team on winning Men's Hockey5s Asia Cup.
The Prime Minister posted on X;
“Champions at the Hockey5s Asia Cup! !
Congratulations to the Indian Men's Hockey Team on a phenomenal victory. It is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our players and with this win, we have also secured our spot at the Hockey5s World Cup in Oman next year.
The grit and determination of our players continues to inspire our nation.”
Prime Minister's Office
Telephone conversation between Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President of the European Council, Charles Michel
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke on phone today with the President of the European Council, H.E. Charles Michel.
The leaders discussed the recent developments in Afghanistan and the implications for the region and the world. They unequivocally condemned the horrific terror attack at the Kabul International Airport that resulted in many casualties. They emphasized the importance of a stable and secure Afghanistan and discussed the potential role India and the EU could play in this context.
The two leaders agreed to remain in touch on bilateral and global issues, in particular, the situation in Afghanistan.